Chapter 9 - The New Rhythm
Spring came to Ohio. The conservatory was full of colors I hadn't known existed. I was now a senior docent, leading groups of children through the greenhouse, explaining the secrets of the orchids.
One afternoon, I saw Elena at the conservatory.
She was there with Toby and Clara. She looked different. She was wearing comfortable clothes, not the "I’m-a-senior-management" uniform. She was laughing with the kids.
She saw me and hesitated, then walked over.
"They wanted to see where you spend your time," she said.
"That's lovely," I replied.
"I’m starting a new job," she said. "It’s part-time. I decided that the climb wasn't worth the cost."
"That sounds like a wise decision."
She looked at me, and for the first time, she smiled—not a polite, strained smile, but a genuine one.
"I learned a lot this year," she said. "About what matters."
"We all did," I said.
We stood there for a moment in the humid air of the greenhouse, surrounded by the scent of earth and life. The kids were running ahead, looking at the giant ferns.
"Do you ever think about coming back?" she asked quietly.
"To helping?"
"Yeah."
I looked at her, then at the orchids, then at the life I had built for myself.
May you like
"I love you all," I said. "And I am always here to be a grandmother. But I am never going back to being your auxiliary parent. I like my life too much."
She nodded, not with disappointment, but with understanding. "I respect that."
